Science study is separated into two distinct areas - Process Skills and Curriculum Content. Process skills encompass those actions and behaviors that scientist perform. Curriculum Content defines the information to be acquired in areas of science including Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth Space Science.
Elementary, Grades K - 4 : Using Science to Explore the World (Process Skills)
Children at this level observe, describe, and interact with the world around them. At this level effective learning environments provide opportunities for developing awareness of and involvement with the world around them through:
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Playing with, exploring, collecting, handling, sorting, and classifying objects.
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Using graphic organizers and other strategies to motivate, organize, and identify the questions children ask about the world.
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Using tools (for example: non-standard measures, rulers, and magnifiers) to enhance observations, collect, represent and interpret data.
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Organizing and manipulating data in multiple ways, which may include tools of technology, e.g., calculators, and computers.
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Communicating (through reading, writing, speaking, listening, movement and viewing) to describe their observations of the world.
In summary, the K-4 classroom should provide students opportunities to engage with concrete manipulative activities that will lead children to construct the desired concepts through investigation and analysis of experience. At this level in particular, science should be integrated with other curricular areas (e.g. reading, writing, math, social studies, technology, art, music, or physical education).